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10 Best sniper AR 15 scopes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 Rifle Scope, V-Brite Reticle , black
The Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 is a solid choice for an AR-15 sniper scope, especially for hunters and shooters who want a reliable and clear sighting tool. Its 3-9x magnification range offers good flexibility, allowing you to zoom in enough for precision at medium distances without losing the wider view needed for quick target acquisition. The 40mm objective lens balances brightness and size well, providing a clear image without making the scope too bulky. The V-Brite illuminated V-Plex reticle brightens the center dot with battery power, making it easier to spot your target in low light conditions.
Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,179
Magnification
Objective Lens Diameter
Reticle
Most important from
13616 reviews
#3
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) Mil CDS-ZL2 Side Focus HTMR Reticle Riflescope
The Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 riflescope is a versatile optic well-suited for AR-15 users looking for a reliable scope with a wide magnification range. Its 3-15x zoom allows for both close and longer-range shots, making it flexible for various shooting scenarios. The 44mm objective lens is a good size for gathering light, offering bright and clear images without being too bulky. One standout feature is the HTMR reticle combined with the CDS-ZL2 turret system, which lets you dial precise bullet drops and lock the settings to avoid accidental movement—a huge plus for maintaining accuracy in the field.
Rating
9.1
Magnification
Reticle
Turrets
Most important from
346 reviews
Top 10 Best sniper AR 15 scopes 2025 in the United States
#1
Winner
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 Rifle Scope, V-Brite Reticle , black
Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x40 Rifle Scope, V-Brite Reticle , black
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Reticle: V-Brite illuminated V-Plex
Turrets: functional
Eye Relief: generous
Parallax Adjustment: none
Chosen by 1179 this week
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) Mil CDS-ZL2 Side Focus HTMR Reticle Riflescope
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) Mil CDS-ZL2 Side Focus HTMR Reticle Riflescope
Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44 mm
Reticle: HTMR
Turrets: CDS-ZL2
Parallax Adjustment: Side focus
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Wind-Plex Reticle Riflescope
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Wind-Plex Reticle Riflescope
Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
Reticle: Wind-Plex
Turrets: CDS-ZL2 turret system
Parallax Adjustment: side focus
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope
Leupold VX-5HD 3-15x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope
Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
Reticle: Illuminated FireDot Duplex
Turrets: CDS-ZL2 turret with push-button lock
Parallax Adjustment: Side focus
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Vortex Optics Venom 3-15x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MRAD) Reticle
Vortex Optics Venom 3-15x44 First Focal Plane Riflescope - EBR-7C (MRAD) Reticle
Magnification: 3-15x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
Reticle: EBR-7C (MRAD)
Turrets: Capped windage, exposed elevation
Eye Relief: 3.7 inches
Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope
Leupold VX-6HD 3-18x44 (30mm) CDS-ZL2 Side Focus Illum. FireDot Duplex Reticle Riflescope
Magnification: 3-18x
Objective Lens Diameter: 44mm
Reticle: FireDot Duplex
Turrets: ZeroLock 2
Eye Relief: 3.7 inches
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)
Vortex Optics Crossfire II Dead Hold BDC Reticle Riflescope, 3-9x40, Black (CF2-31007)
Magnification: 3-9x
Objective Lens Diameter: 40 mm
Reticle: Dead-Hold BDC
Eye Relief: 3.8 Inches
#10
Nightforce Competition 15-55X52mm ZeroStop - .125 MOA - CTR-3 Aluminum Black Matte Hunting Scope (C512)
Nightforce Competition 15-55X52mm ZeroStop - .125 MOA - CTR-3 Aluminum Black Matte Hunting Scope (C512)
Magnification: 15-55x
Objective Lens Diameter: 52 mm
Reticle: CTR-3
Turrets: 0.125 MOA with ZeroStop
Parallax Adjustment: Side parallax 25 yards to infinity
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Buying Guide for the Best sniper AR 15 scopes
Choosing the right sniper scope for your AR-15 can significantly enhance your shooting accuracy and overall experience. The right scope will depend on your specific needs, such as the type of shooting you plan to do (e.g., hunting, target shooting, tactical use), the distances you will be shooting at, and your personal preferences. Understanding the key specifications of sniper scopes will help you make an informed decision and select the best fit for your AR-15.MagnificationMagnification refers to how much closer the target appears through the scope compared to the naked eye. This is important because it determines how well you can see and aim at distant targets. Scopes typically have either fixed or variable magnification. Fixed magnification scopes have a single magnification level, such as 4x, which means the target appears four times closer. Variable magnification scopes, like 3-9x, allow you to adjust the magnification within a range. For short to medium-range shooting (up to 300 yards), a lower magnification (1-4x) is sufficient. For longer ranges (300-600 yards), a medium magnification (4-12x) is ideal. For very long-range shooting (beyond 600 yards), higher magnification (12x and above) is necessary. Choose a magnification range based on the distances you plan to shoot and the level of detail you need to see.
Objective Lens DiameterThe objective lens diameter is the size of the front lens of the scope, measured in millimeters. This spec is important because it affects the amount of light that enters the scope, impacting the brightness and clarity of the image. Larger objective lenses (e.g., 50mm) allow more light to enter, providing a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. However, they can also make the scope heavier and bulkier. Smaller objective lenses (e.g., 32mm) are lighter and more compact but may not perform as well in low-light situations. If you plan to shoot in various lighting conditions, a larger objective lens may be beneficial. For general use and better portability, a smaller objective lens might be more suitable.
ReticleThe reticle, or crosshair, is the aiming point you see when looking through the scope. Different reticle designs serve different purposes. Common types include duplex, mil-dot, and BDC (bullet drop compensator) reticles. Duplex reticles are simple and easy to use, making them ideal for general shooting and hunting. Mil-dot reticles have dots along the crosshairs that help estimate range and bullet drop, useful for long-range and tactical shooting. BDC reticles have markings that correspond to specific distances, allowing for quick adjustments without manual calculations. Choose a reticle based on your shooting style and the level of precision you need.
TurretsTurrets are the knobs on the scope that allow you to adjust the windage (horizontal) and elevation (vertical) settings. This is important for zeroing your scope and making precise adjustments based on shooting conditions. There are two main types of turrets: capped and exposed. Capped turrets are covered and protect the settings from being accidentally changed, suitable for hunting and general use. Exposed turrets are easier to adjust quickly and are preferred for tactical and long-range shooting where frequent adjustments are needed. Consider how often you will need to make adjustments and choose the turret type that best fits your needs.
Eye ReliefEye relief is the distance between your eye and the scope's eyepiece while still seeing the full field of view. This is important for comfort and safety, especially with high-recoil rifles. Longer eye relief (3-4 inches) provides more flexibility in positioning your eye and reduces the risk of scope eye (injury from the scope hitting your face). Shorter eye relief (less than 3 inches) may offer a wider field of view but requires more precise eye placement. For AR-15 rifles, which generally have moderate recoil, a medium to long eye relief is recommended for comfortable and safe shooting.
Parallax AdjustmentParallax adjustment allows you to correct the parallax error, which occurs when the reticle appears to move relative to the target when you shift your eye position. This is important for maintaining accuracy, especially at longer distances. Scopes with parallax adjustment have a side knob or an adjustable objective lens to fine-tune the focus at different ranges. For short to medium-range shooting, parallax adjustment may not be necessary. However, for long-range shooting (beyond 300 yards), having this feature can significantly improve accuracy. Choose a scope with parallax adjustment if you plan to shoot at varying distances and need precise aiming.